War Raises Coal-Fired Power Usage, Defying Outlook for Plateau

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Or sign-in if you have an account.i}48xpk([c22f7i3l7whzc{4_media_dl_1.png IEA(Bloomberg) — Global coal demand for power generation is set to climb this year as the Iran war drives up other fossil fuel costs, defying a previous expectation for a plateau, the International Energy Agency said.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLYSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman, and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESCreate an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountCoal-fired generation should rise 1.4% this year, the IEA said in its mid-year update released on Thursday. That contrasts with the agency’s outlook in February, when it projected coal-fired output to enter a declining trajectory over the 2026-30 period, and underscores the challenges to limiting emissions. The Middle East conflict has snarled oil and liquefied natural gas flows through the crucial Strait of Hormuz, pushing up prices. While renewable generation has helped meet demand, some utilities have been forced to turn to coal to produce electricity. China accounts for the biggest share of the rise in coal-fired output this year, with India also seeing a significant increase, the IEA said. Coal usage will fall in the European Union, but at a slower pace than forecast in February.Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againThe IEA has forecast a plateauing of coal demand for many years, only to then revise estimates and show growth. Coal usage for power generation in 2026 is now forecast to be about 9% higher than a forecast made just two years ago.The IEA also cited renewables curtailment as a factor behind higher coal-fired generation. Curtailment occurs when wind and solar farms produce more electricity than the grid can absorb or transmit, forcing some renewables to be switched off and then potentially increasing the need for flexible generation, including coal-fired plants.Global electricity demand has remained resilient despite the war, and is forecast to increase by 3.6% this year, up from 3% in 2025. 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